New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the transparent system created by his government, coupled with a focus on people's participation over the past decade, has successfully lifted nearly 25 crore people out of poverty in the last nine years.
Addressing beneficiaries of the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ (VBSY) virtually, Prime Minister Modi referred to a report on multidimensional poverty, highlighting that the government's efforts over the past nine years have resulted in 25 crore people escaping poverty. "In the last 10 years, the way our government has created a transparent system, made genuine efforts and promoted public participation, it has made even the impossible possible," he said
He said these are not merely statistics for him as every number represents a life who was deprived of the benefits so far. The prime minister said he has always tried to ensure saturation of welfare scheme coverage.
Illustrating the impact of the PM Awas Yojna, Modi cited the provision of pucca houses to over four crore poor families, with 70 per cent of the units registered in the name of women. He noted the positive outcomes, such as empowerment of women, increased house sizes, and a faster construction speed, reducing the time from 300 days to 100. "Such efforts have played a huge role in reducing poverty in the country," the Prime Minister remarked.
Providing an example of the government's commitment to marginalised communities, Modi highlighted policies for transgenders. He noted the enactment of a law protecting transgender rights in 2019, which not only facilitated their integration into society but also eliminated discrimination. The government issued transgender identity certificates to thousands of people.
"India is changing rapidly. Today, people's confidence, their faith in the government, and their determination to build a new India are visible everywhere," Modi declared. He acknowledged the success of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, turning it into a people’s movement that has attracted 15 crore participants and covered about 80 per cent of panchayats.
The 'Vikas Rath' has become 'Vishwas Rath', infusing trust among people that no deprived person will be left out of its benefits, he said.
In response to the enthusiastic demand among beneficiaries, the Prime Minister directed authorities to extend the VBSY beyond January 26 and into February. He highlighted the yatra's objective of reaching those who were previously deprived of government schemes.
Discussing efforts to empower Self Help Groups (SHGs), Modi mentioned initiatives to connect these groups with banks and increase the collateral-free loan ceiling to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh. This has resulted in 10 crore new women joining SHGs, receiving over Rs 8 lakh crore assistance for new businesses.
Focusing on the government's commitment to modernising the rural economy and empowering farmers, Modi outlined steps to strengthen small farmers, including the establishment of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
He mentioned that 8,000 FPOs are already in place, and 50 crore vaccinations for foot and mouth disease have led to a 50 per cent increase in milk production.
